Whirlpool Appliance Error Codes
Expert reference guide covering all Whirlpool appliance diagnostic codes with comprehensive troubleshooting procedures and professional repair guidance for US households
Quickly identify problems with your Whirlpool washing machine, dryer, refrigerator, or dishwasher and learn the correct response procedures
Understanding Whirlpool Diagnostic Codes
Whirlpool appliances are equipped with advanced diagnostic systems that help identify operational issues. When a problem occurs, the appliance often displays an error code on its digital display. These codes are crucial for quickly understanding the nature of the fault and determining the appropriate troubleshooting steps. This guide provides a comprehensive list of common Whirlpool error codes for washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers, along with their meanings, possible causes, and recommended solutions. Always consult your specific appliance's user manual for precise code definitions and safety instructions. For complex issues or if an error persists, it is recommended to contact a certified appliance technician.
Washing Machine Error Codes
Common error codes for Whirlpool washing machines.
| Code | Meaning | Possible Causes | Solutions |
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| F01 | Electronic Error - Control board or electronic component error |
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| F02 | Water Inlet Error - Problem with water supply |
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| F03 | Temperature Sensor Error - Error in temperature sensor |
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| F05 | Drain Error - Problem with drain system |
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| F06 | Motor Error - Motor not functioning properly |
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| F07 | Heating Error - Heating element not functioning properly |
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| F13 | Door Lock Error - Door lock mechanism error |
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| F18 | Excessive Foam - Too much foam detected in machine |
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| F22 | Door Lock Problem - Door lock issue detected |
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| F24 | Pressure Sensor Error - Error in pressure sensor |
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| F26 | Door Lock Error - Door lock not functioning properly |
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| F28 | Communication Error - Communication error between electronic components |
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| F30 | Water Supply Problem - Water supply issue |
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| F32 | Drain System Problem - Drain system issue |
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| F34 | Door Lock Error - Door lock malfunction |
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| F35 | Pressure Sensor Error - Pressure sensor malfunction |
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| F42 | Electronic Error - General electronic component error |
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| F43 | Electronic Error - Electronic component error |
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| F44 | Electronic Error - Electronic system error |
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| F50 | Motor Control Error - Motor control system error |
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| F51 | Motor Control Error - Motor control malfunction |
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| F52 | Motor Control Error - Motor control system error |
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| F53 | Motor Control Error - Motor control error |
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| F54 | Motor Control Error - Motor control malfunction |
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| F72 | Basket Re-engagement Error - Basket not properly engaged |
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| LF | Long Fill Time - Washer taking too long to fill with water |
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| Ld | Long Drain Time - Washer taking too long to drain water |
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| oL | Overload - Washer is overloaded |
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| Sd | Excessive Suds - Too much suds detected in machine |
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| uL | Unbalanced Load - Unbalanced load detected |
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| HC | Hot and Cold Water Connections Reversed - Water connections are reversed |
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Electronic Error - Control board or electronic component error
Possible Causes
- •Control board malfunction
- •EEPROM error
- •Memory corruption
- •Internal board failure
- •Power surge damage
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 1 minute and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Control board may need replacement
- Professional diagnosis required
Water Inlet Error - Problem with water supply
Possible Causes
- •Water supply valve closed
- •Low water pressure
- •Clogged water inlet filter
- •Faulty water inlet valve
- •Kinked water supply hose
Solutions
- Check water supply valves are fully open
- Verify water pressure is adequate
- Inspect water supply hoses for kinks or damage
- Clean water inlet filter screens
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
Temperature Sensor Error - Error in temperature sensor
Possible Causes
- •Faulty temperature sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor out of range
- •Open or short circuit in sensor
Solutions
- Check temperature sensor connections
- Test sensor resistance with multimeter
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Temperature sensor may need replacement
- Professional diagnosis recommended
Drain Error - Problem with drain system
Possible Causes
- •Clogged drain hose
- •Drain pump obstruction
- •Kinked drain hose
- •Drain pump failure
- •Drain filter blockage
Solutions
- Check drain hose for kinks or clogs
- Clean drain filter if accessible
- Inspect drain pump for obstructions
- Test drain pump operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
Motor Error - Motor not functioning properly
Possible Causes
- •Motor failure
- •Motor control board error
- •Motor wiring issue
- •Motor overload
- •Drive belt problem
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- Check motor connections
- Inspect drive belt for damage or wear
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Motor may need replacement
Heating Error - Heating element not functioning properly
Possible Causes
- •Faulty heating element
- •Heating element wiring issue
- •Temperature sensor error
- •Control board error
Solutions
- Check heating element connections
- Test heating element operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Heating element may need replacement
- Professional diagnosis required
Door Lock Error - Door lock mechanism error
Possible Causes
- •Faulty door lock mechanism
- •Door lock wiring issue
- •Control board error
- •Lock actuator failure
- •Door not closing properly
Solutions
- Ensure door is fully closed
- Check door lock mechanism
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
- Door lock may need replacement
Excessive Foam - Too much foam detected in machine
Possible Causes
- •Excessive detergent use
- •Wrong type of detergent
- •Detergent buildup
- •Hard water conditions
Solutions
- Run rinse cycle to remove excess foam
- Use less detergent (follow manufacturer guidelines)
- Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent for HE washers
- Run cleaning cycle with washer cleaner
- Reduce detergent amount for future loads
Door Lock Problem - Door lock issue detected
Possible Causes
- •Faulty door lock mechanism
- •Door not closing properly
- •Obstruction preventing door closure
- •Door lock sensor error
Solutions
- Ensure door is fully closed
- Check for obstructions
- Test door lock operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
Pressure Sensor Error - Error in pressure sensor
Possible Causes
- •Faulty pressure sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor contamination
- •Control board error
Solutions
- Check pressure sensor connections
- Clean sensor if accessible
- Test sensor operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Pressure sensor may need replacement
Door Lock Error - Door lock not functioning properly
Possible Causes
- •Faulty door lock mechanism
- •Door lock wiring issue
- •Control board error
- •Lock actuator failure
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- Check door lock mechanism
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Door lock may need replacement
Communication Error - Communication error between electronic components
Possible Causes
- •Wiring harness issue
- •Control board communication failure
- •Display board error
- •Loose connections
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 1 minute and restart
- Check wiring connections
- Inspect for loose or damaged connections
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Control board may need replacement
Water Supply Problem - Water supply issue
Possible Causes
- •Water supply valve closed
- •Low water pressure
- •Clogged water inlet filter
- •Faulty water inlet valve
Solutions
- Check water supply valves are fully open
- Verify water pressure is adequate
- Inspect water supply hoses
- Clean water inlet filter screens
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
Drain System Problem - Drain system issue
Possible Causes
- •Clogged drain hose
- •Drain pump obstruction
- •Kinked drain hose
- •Drain pump failure
Solutions
- Check drain hose for kinks or clogs
- Clean drain filter if accessible
- Inspect drain pump for obstructions
- Test drain pump operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
Door Lock Error - Door lock malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty door lock mechanism
- •Door lock wiring issue
- •Control board error
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- Check door lock mechanism
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Door lock may need replacement
Pressure Sensor Error - Pressure sensor malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty pressure sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor contamination
Solutions
- Check pressure sensor connections
- Clean sensor if accessible
- Test sensor operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Pressure sensor may need replacement
Electronic Error - General electronic component error
Possible Causes
- •Control board malfunction
- •Electronic component failure
- •Power surge damage
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 1 minute and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Control board may need replacement
- Professional diagnosis required
Electronic Error - Electronic component error
Possible Causes
- •Control board malfunction
- •Electronic component failure
- •Internal board error
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 1 minute and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Control board may need replacement
- Professional diagnosis required
Electronic Error - Electronic system error
Possible Causes
- •Control board malfunction
- •System initialization failure
- •Multiple component failure
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 1 minute and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Professional diagnosis required
Motor Control Error - Motor control system error
Possible Causes
- •Motor control board malfunction
- •Motor communication error
- •Control board error
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- Check motor control connections
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Motor control board may need replacement
Motor Control Error - Motor control malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Motor control board error
- •Motor sensor failure
- •Drive system error
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- Check motor control connections
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Motor control may need replacement
Motor Control Error - Motor control system error
Possible Causes
- •Motor control board malfunction
- •Motor communication error
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Motor control board may need replacement
Motor Control Error - Motor control error
Possible Causes
- •Motor control board error
- •Motor sensor failure
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Motor control may need replacement
Motor Control Error - Motor control malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Motor control board malfunction
- •Drive system error
Solutions
- Unplug washer for 5 minutes and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Motor control board may need replacement
Basket Re-engagement Error - Basket not properly engaged
Possible Causes
- •Basket not properly positioned
- •Basket engagement mechanism failure
- •Mechanical obstruction
Solutions
- Check that basket is properly positioned
- Inspect basket engagement mechanism
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
Long Fill Time - Washer taking too long to fill with water
Possible Causes
- •Low water pressure
- •Clogged water inlet filter
- •Faulty water inlet valve
- •Kinked water supply hose
Solutions
- Check water supply valves are fully open
- Inspect water supply hoses for kinks or damage
- Clean water inlet filter screens
- Check water pressure
- Test water inlet valve operation
Long Drain Time - Washer taking too long to drain water
Possible Causes
- •Clogged drain hose
- •Drain pump obstruction
- •Kinked drain hose
- •Drain pump failure
Solutions
- Check drain hose for kinks or clogs
- Clean drain filter if accessible
- Inspect drain pump for obstructions
- Test drain pump operation
Overload - Washer is overloaded
Possible Causes
- •Too much laundry in drum
- •Exceeding maximum load capacity
- •Heavy items exceeding weight limit
Solutions
- Remove some items from washer
- Check load capacity for your model
- Redistribute load if possible
- Restart with appropriate load size
Excessive Suds - Too much suds detected in machine
Possible Causes
- •Excessive detergent use
- •Wrong type of detergent
- •Detergent buildup
Solutions
- Run rinse cycle to remove excess suds
- Use less detergent
- Use HE (High Efficiency) detergent for HE washers
- Run cleaning cycle with washer cleaner
Unbalanced Load - Unbalanced load detected
Possible Causes
- •Unevenly distributed laundry
- •Heavy items on one side
- •Small load in large capacity washer
Solutions
- Redistribute laundry evenly in drum
- Add more items to balance load if load is too small
- Check that washer is level
- Restart cycle
Hot and Cold Water Connections Reversed - Water connections are reversed
Possible Causes
- •Hot and cold water hoses connected incorrectly
- •Water supply connections reversed
Solutions
- Check hot and cold water connections
- Swap water supply hoses if necessary
- Verify correct connection according to manual
Dryer Error Codes
Common error codes for Whirlpool dryers.
| Code | Meaning | Possible Causes | Solutions |
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| F01 | Electronic Error - Control board or electronic component error |
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| F02 | Thermistor Error - Temperature sensor error |
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| F03 | Heater Relay Error - Heater relay malfunction |
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| F04 | Motor Error - Motor not functioning properly |
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| F05 | Door Switch Error - Door switch malfunction |
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| F06 | Thermal Fuse Error - Thermal fuse blown |
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| F07 | High Limit Thermostat Error - High limit thermostat activated |
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| F08 | Moisture Sensor Error - Moisture sensor malfunction |
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Electronic Error - Control board or electronic component error
Possible Causes
- •Control board malfunction
- •EEPROM error
- •Memory corruption
Solutions
- Unplug dryer for 1 minute and restart
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Control board may need replacement
Thermistor Error - Temperature sensor error
Possible Causes
- •Faulty thermistor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor out of range
Solutions
- Check thermistor connections
- Test thermistor resistance
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Thermistor may need replacement
Heater Relay Error - Heater relay malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty heater relay
- •Relay wiring issue
- •Control board error
Solutions
- Check heater relay connections
- Test relay operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Heater relay may need replacement
Motor Error - Motor not functioning properly
Possible Causes
- •Motor failure
- •Motor control board error
- •Motor wiring issue
Solutions
- Unplug dryer for 5 minutes and restart
- Check motor connections
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Motor may need replacement
Door Switch Error - Door switch malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty door switch
- •Door switch wiring issue
- •Door not closing properly
Solutions
- Ensure door is fully closed
- Check door switch operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
- Door switch may need replacement
Thermal Fuse Error - Thermal fuse blown
Possible Causes
- •Thermal fuse blown
- •Overheating condition
- •Ventilation blockage
Solutions
- Check for ventilation blockages
- Clean lint screen and exhaust vent
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Thermal fuse may need replacement
High Limit Thermostat Error - High limit thermostat activated
Possible Causes
- •High limit thermostat activated
- •Overheating condition
- •Ventilation blockage
Solutions
- Check for ventilation blockages
- Clean lint screen and exhaust vent
- Allow dryer to cool down
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
Moisture Sensor Error - Moisture sensor malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty moisture sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor contamination
Solutions
- Clean moisture sensor
- Check sensor connections
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Moisture sensor may need replacement
Refrigerator Error Codes
Common error codes for Whirlpool refrigerators.
| Code | Meaning | Possible Causes | Solutions |
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| E1 | Refrigerator Temperature Sensor Error - Error in refrigerator compartment temperature sensor |
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| E2 | Freezer Temperature Sensor Error - Error in freezer compartment temperature sensor |
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| E3 | Defrost Sensor Error - Error in defrost sensor |
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| E4 | Fan Error - Error in fan motor or fan system |
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| E5 | Communication Error - Communication error between display and control board |
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Refrigerator Temperature Sensor Error - Error in refrigerator compartment temperature sensor
Possible Causes
- •Faulty refrigerator temperature sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor out of range
Solutions
- Check refrigerator temperature sensor connections
- Test sensor resistance with multimeter
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Refrigerator temperature sensor may need replacement
Freezer Temperature Sensor Error - Error in freezer compartment temperature sensor
Possible Causes
- •Faulty freezer temperature sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor out of range
Solutions
- Check freezer temperature sensor connections
- Test sensor resistance with multimeter
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Freezer temperature sensor may need replacement
Defrost Sensor Error - Error in defrost sensor
Possible Causes
- •Faulty defrost sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Defrost system malfunction
Solutions
- Check defrost sensor connections
- Test defrost system operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Defrost sensor may need replacement
Fan Error - Error in fan motor or fan system
Possible Causes
- •Faulty fan motor
- •Fan obstruction
- •Fan wiring issue
Solutions
- Check for fan obstructions
- Test fan motor operation
- Inspect fan blades for damage
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Fan motor may need replacement
Communication Error - Communication error between display and control board
Possible Causes
- •Wiring harness issue
- •Control board communication failure
- •Loose connections
Solutions
- Unplug refrigerator for 5 minutes and restart
- Check wiring connections
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Control board may need replacement
Dishwasher Error Codes
Common error codes for Whirlpool dishwashers.
| Code | Meaning | Possible Causes | Solutions |
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| F1 | Water Fill Error - Water not filling properly |
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| F2 | Drain Error - Water not draining properly |
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| F3 | Temperature Sensor Error - Temperature sensor malfunction |
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| F4 | Heating Element Error - Heating element malfunction |
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| F5 | Door Switch Error - Door switch malfunction |
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Water Fill Error - Water not filling properly
Possible Causes
- •Water supply valve closed
- •Low water pressure
- •Clogged water inlet filter
- •Faulty water inlet valve
Solutions
- Check water supply valve is open
- Verify water pressure
- Clean water inlet filter
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
Drain Error - Water not draining properly
Possible Causes
- •Clogged drain hose
- •Drain pump obstruction
- •Kinked drain hose
- •Drain pump failure
Solutions
- Check drain hose for kinks or clogs
- Inspect drain pump for obstructions
- Test drain pump operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
Temperature Sensor Error - Temperature sensor malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty temperature sensor
- •Sensor wiring issue
- •Sensor out of range
Solutions
- Check temperature sensor connections
- Test sensor operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Temperature sensor may need replacement
Heating Element Error - Heating element malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty heating element
- •Heating element wiring issue
- •Control board error
Solutions
- Check heating element connections
- Test heating element operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service technician
- Heating element may need replacement
Door Switch Error - Door switch malfunction
Possible Causes
- •Faulty door switch
- •Door switch wiring issue
- •Door not closing properly
Solutions
- Ensure door is fully closed
- Check door switch operation
- If error persists, contact Whirlpool service
- Door switch may need replacement
Critical Safety Notice
Attempting DIY repairs on Whirlpool appliances, especially those involving electrical components, water lines, or gas connections, can be dangerous and may void your warranty. Specific issues like control board failures, motor problems, or sealed system leaks (refrigerators) require professional expertise. Always prioritize safety: disconnect power before any inspection, and for complex or safety-critical error codes, contact a certified appliance technician.
Professional service is highly recommended—contact a licensed appliance repair technician for expert assistance.
Maintenance Guidelines for Whirlpool Appliances
Scheduled Maintenance
- ✓Clean washing machine detergent dispenser and tub monthly
- ✓Clean dryer lint screen after every load and exhaust vent annually
- ✓Clean refrigerator condenser coils every 6-12 months
- ✓Check dishwasher spray arms and filter monthly for blockages
- ✓Inspect water supply hoses for leaks or damage annually
Proactive Care Tips
- ✓Avoid overloading washing machines and dryers
- ✓Use appropriate detergent amounts to prevent oversudsing
- ✓Ensure refrigerator doors seal properly to maintain temperature
- ✓Pre-rinse dishes before loading into the dishwasher to prevent clogs
- ✓Address minor issues promptly to prevent larger problems
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error code F01 mean on my Whirlpool washer?
F01 indicates an electronic error in the control board or electronic components. Unplug the washer for 1 minute and restart. If the error persists, contact a Whirlpool service technician as the control board may need replacement.
My Whirlpool dryer shows F06. What should I do?
Error code F06 on a Whirlpool dryer signifies a thermal fuse error. The thermal fuse has blown, often due to overheating. Check for ventilation blockages, clean the lint screen and exhaust vent, and allow the dryer to cool down. If the error persists, contact a Whirlpool service technician as the thermal fuse may need replacement.
What does E1 mean on my Whirlpool refrigerator?
E1 indicates a refrigerator temperature sensor error. Check refrigerator temperature sensor connections, test sensor resistance with a multimeter, and verify the sensor is properly positioned. If the error persists, contact a Whirlpool service technician as the refrigerator temperature sensor may need replacement.
My Whirlpool dishwasher displays F1. How can I fix it?
Error code F1 on a Whirlpool dishwasher means there is a water fill error. Check that the water supply valve is fully open, verify water pressure is adequate, clean the water inlet filter, and inspect the water inlet valve. If these checks don't resolve the issue, contact a Whirlpool service technician.
Is it safe to perform DIY repairs on Whirlpool appliances?
While some basic troubleshooting like cleaning lint screens or checking water hoses can be done by homeowners, most error codes indicate issues that require professional expertise. Attempting complex repairs, especially those involving electrical or gas components, can be dangerous and may void your warranty. It's always best to consult a certified appliance technician for safety-critical or persistent problems.